Obituary

Charles Leroy Beardsley

September 21, 1915 - February 21, 2010

Charles Leroy Beardsley, 94, of Portland, Ore., passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2010. He was born on Sept. 21, 1915, in St. Louis, Mo.Charles graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1936, with a degree in chemical engineering. Later, on March 30, 1939, he married Marjorie Alice Jackson in Oak Park, Ill.Following graduation he worked for the American Can Company research laboratory, developing the C-ration for the military. In 1946 he was hired by Diamond Fruit Growers in Hood River, where he was employed for 36 years. He began as quality control manager of the cannery, then cannery manager and finally operations manager of the company.Upon retirement Charles and Marjorie moved to the Parkrose area where he was involved in several volunteer activities. He belonged to the International Executive Services Corps on a volunteer basis and was assigned, accompanied by his wife, to Columbia, Venezuela and Guatemala on six different occasions.He also participated in a number of social services for the elderly and needy, including preparing income tax returns for many years. His interests included his family, church, volunteering, travel and gardening. He was an avid stamp collector and Eagle Scout.He is mourned by those who survive him: loving wife, Marjorie, and three children: sons Charles F. Beardsley (Barbara), of Hood River, Alan Beardsley (Alice), of Sisters, and Carolyn Beardsley, of Beaverton. He is also survived by six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.At his request, no local services are planned and he will be interred with family in St. Louis.